The Government of Canada is proud to support economic development opportunities and growth in First Nation communities.

Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, along with Chief Darcy Bear of Whitecap Dakota First Nation, gathered in Whitecap to celebrate the ground-breaking of a new hotel and conference center.

The Dakota Dunes hotel project will feature Indigenous themes and décor, with 155 rooms, a fitness center, business center, pool and restaurant.

Once completed, the hotel is projected to generate annual revenue of approximately $8.5 million and create 150 new full-time and part-time jobs within the community. The hotel is also expected to stimulate the local economy by contributing to spin-off businesses and increased visitors to area attractions such as the casino and golf course.

Quotes

“I’m thrilled to be celebrating the ground breaking for a new hotel and conference centre in Whitecap Dakota First Nation. The Dakota Dunes hotel project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnership and collaboration to foster economic growth and opportunities in Indigenous communities.”

“The Dakota Dunes Hotel is an integral part of our vision that will see Whitecap become a premiere tourism destination resort in Western Canada. The hotel will also generate another 150 jobs and continue to build Whitecap as a major employer in the region. This is a truly an exciting day for our First Nation as we continue on our economic path of building a sustainable community.”

Chief Darcy BearWhitecap Dakota First Nations’ Chief

“BMO is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the exciting Dakota Dunes hotel project. This initiative will generate significant economic impacts for members of the community. BMO has provided dedicated and growing support to Indigenous clients since 1992. We are pleased and proud to be working with Whitecap Dakota and commend their leadership for executing on a solid business strategy.”

Stephen FayHead, Indigenous Banking North America, BMO

“On behalf of SIGA, we’re very excited to be partnering with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to help bring this new hotel development to Dakota Dunes. This project will have significant benefits, including supporting the creation of 150 new jobs, increasing tourism to the area, and further enhancing the customer experience at one of our premier gaming destinations.”

Zane HansenPresident and CEO, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority

Quick facts

This project is a prime example of collaboration between the federal government, the private sector, and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

Indigenous Services Canada has contributed $8.6 million to this project through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program. The total estimated cost for the construction of the hotel is $38 million.

During the construction phase, the hotel project is estimated to create approximately 230 jobs, and once operational in 2020, up to 150 jobs in the community.

The hotel is expected to generate $230 million in economic benefits for the Saskatoon regional economy over ten years and generate $13 million in annual government fiscal benefits.